Played
December 2, 2012 5:30 PM EST
Estadio Nemesio Díez (Toluca de Lerdo)
Referee: F. Chacon
December 2, 2012 5:30 PM EST
Estadio Nemesio Díez (Toluca de Lerdo)
Referee: F. Chacon
Toluca 0-2 Club Tijuana: Xolos complete stunning ascent with Mexican title
A quick-fire double in the second half put the championship tie out of reach and delivered the club's first-ever Mexican league championship.
By Seth Vertelney
Club Tijuana
Just one year after ascending from the second division and seven years after the club was created, Club Tijuana is the champion of Mexico. The Xolos clinched the title after a 2-0 second leg win at Toluca on Sunday, following a 2-1 win at home Thursday in the first leg.
"We're enormously joyful," Xolos defender Javier Gandolfi said. "We had this illusion in our minds, no one gave us any credit. We always had our feet on the ground and we did not relax at any point. Tonight, our humility and sacrifice are plastered all over this win."
Toluca came out needing a goal, but couldn't muster much to threaten Cirilo Saucedo's goal in the opening stages. On 25 minutes, Gandolfi went in with a reckless challenge that saw his studs firmly planted in Sinha's ankle. Fortunately for Xolos, the referee inexplicably decided to call the foul on the Toluca playmaker.
As the second half started, U.S. international Edgar Castillo had a great chance to double his side's aggregate advantage, but his fierce left-footed strike from outside the box was well palmed over by Alfredo Talavera.
Minutes later, Luis Tejada almost leveled the tie, but his glancing header from close range just flashed wide of the far post.
The home side paid dearly for that miss, as Xolos clinched the title with a quick-fire double in a two minute stretch.
First, the visitors found the opener with 20 minutes left. Fidel Martinez was felled, setting up a free kick just outside the box for Fernando Arce. His curling shot struck the near post, and Richard Ruiz pounced on the rebound and applied the finish with no defenders in sight.
Still reeling, Toluca conceded again right away. Martinez sent Duvier Riascos in behind the defense, and his step-over bamboozled Talavera, leaving an open net for the Colombian to exploit. In a matter of moments it was 2-0 in the match and 4-1 on aggregate. The Xolos saw the match out and could celebrate an Apertura championship.
"Thank God we were able to do this, Martinez said. "We're very satisfied about the championship and now we can celebrate. We fought hard, the team deserves it and I'm very grateful and happy with my family and everyone.
"We need to enjoy this. We were humble, we played as if we were on the streets, we're very happy and I'm at a loss for words to thank everyone."
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"We're enormously joyful," Xolos defender Javier Gandolfi said. "We had this illusion in our minds, no one gave us any credit. We always had our feet on the ground and we did not relax at any point. Tonight, our humility and sacrifice are plastered all over this win."
Toluca came out needing a goal, but couldn't muster much to threaten Cirilo Saucedo's goal in the opening stages. On 25 minutes, Gandolfi went in with a reckless challenge that saw his studs firmly planted in Sinha's ankle. Fortunately for Xolos, the referee inexplicably decided to call the foul on the Toluca playmaker.
As the second half started, U.S. international Edgar Castillo had a great chance to double his side's aggregate advantage, but his fierce left-footed strike from outside the box was well palmed over by Alfredo Talavera.
Minutes later, Luis Tejada almost leveled the tie, but his glancing header from close range just flashed wide of the far post.
The home side paid dearly for that miss, as Xolos clinched the title with a quick-fire double in a two minute stretch.
First, the visitors found the opener with 20 minutes left. Fidel Martinez was felled, setting up a free kick just outside the box for Fernando Arce. His curling shot struck the near post, and Richard Ruiz pounced on the rebound and applied the finish with no defenders in sight.
Still reeling, Toluca conceded again right away. Martinez sent Duvier Riascos in behind the defense, and his step-over bamboozled Talavera, leaving an open net for the Colombian to exploit. In a matter of moments it was 2-0 in the match and 4-1 on aggregate. The Xolos saw the match out and could celebrate an Apertura championship.
"Thank God we were able to do this, Martinez said. "We're very satisfied about the championship and now we can celebrate. We fought hard, the team deserves it and I'm very grateful and happy with my family and everyone.
"We need to enjoy this. We were humble, we played as if we were on the streets, we're very happy and I'm at a loss for words to thank everyone."
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Substitution IN
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Results
Live
Final
scheduled
Suspended
Cancelled
Postponed
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Christian Benítez Striker America (Mexico) |
30 | 1 |
|
Pavone Striker Cruz Azul |
20 | 1 |
|
Luis Gabriel Rey Striker Jaguares |
18 | 4 |
|
H. Mancilla Striker Morelia |
18 | 2 |
|
Duvier Riascos Striker Xolos |
16 | 1 |
